2022 Acura RDX: Review, Design, and Price
Starting at $41.795
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| 2022 Acura RDX |
Overview
Those in search of a compact SUV with a top-class badge and an athletic chassis will find the 2022 Acura RDX matches that brief and would not require Porsche Macan or Mercedes-Benz GLC-class money. Sure, it is not as deluxe as those German nameplates—nor does it lift the same cachet among the one percent—but the RDX's turbocharged four-cylinder is perky ample for most drivers, and its cabin as high-tech as higher-priced competitors. The complaints we have are a situation with the RDX's less-than-luxurious cabin environs and a 10-speed automated that is every now and then infuriatingly slow to downshift to spool up the turbo to its boiling point. Those issues aside, the RDX is a roomy, practical, fun-to-drive, and comprehensively outfitted compact SUV that is largely satisfactory.
What's New for 2022?
The RDX receives a light facelift for 2022 that includes tweaks to the SUV’s grille, larger air intakes on the front bumper, and a revised rear bumper with rectangular exhaust tips. Two new hues are available—Liquid Carbon Metallic and Phantom Violet Pearl—and the RDX's interior are stronger with new fashionable and optional tech features. All fashions now come with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as well as Amazon Alexa integration. A wireless smartphone charging pad is now on hand and Technology models now offer an interior ambient-lighting device with 27 colors. A limited-production PMC Edition mannequin will be provided once more this year—there will be just 200 units—and wears Long Beach Blue Pearl exterior shade with an Orchid indoors coloration scheme.
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| 2022 Acura RDX: Dashboard |
Acura presents the RDX in one trim however provides various wonderful applications to jazz it up. Front-wheel pressure is trendy but all-wheel pressure is on hand for $2000. Since the A-Spec version is highly-priced and lacks any legitimate overall performance improvements, we would forgo that. But we would recommend including the Technology package deal that brings a higher audio system, navigation, fancier leather-trimmed seats, and more. Those who favor adaptive dampers and a head-up display will have to spring for the Advance package, however, that appreciably increases the backside line.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Every RDX is powered by way of a 272-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that pairs with a 10-speed computerized transmission and either front- or all-wheel force (or "SH-AWD" in Acura-speak). The A-Spec model we examined wanted 6.2 seconds to hit 60 mph at our check track, which places it mid-pack among compact luxury SUVs. The RDX's throttle is responsive at low speeds, and it pulls away from stoplights with sufficient pep for most drivers. The transmission could be quicker to downshift, especially when the driver uses the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The turbocharged engine makes the RDX sound a bit like the NSX, with a high-pitched roar for the duration of tough acceleration, but an awful lot of that noise is synthetic and piped into the cabin thru the audio system's speakers. The RDX we drove had large 20-inch wheels and optionally available adaptive dampers that permit you to modify the trip quality. While our check car failed to isolate the cabin from harsh impacts on the roughest roads, it used to be by no means punishing or noisy. The torque-vectoring SH-AWD device also helped the RDX exchange directions quickly and was once backed by way of precise-feeling steering. The RDX leaned only when we attacked a dual carriageway on-ramp, but otherwise, it was splendidly balanced. Unfortunately, the brake pedal diminished the experience, due to its inconsistent firmness and responsiveness.
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| 2022 Acura RDX: Front View |
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The RDX has aggressive EPA fuel-economy scores that strategy the mid-20s, with the front-drive model getting slightly greater metropolis and toll road estimates than the all-wheel-drive one. The former is rated at 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg highway; each of these numbers drops through 1 mpg when you pick all-wheel drive. Opting for the A-Spec bundle will minimize both motorway estimates by using 1 mpg, for 27 mpg with the front driver and 26 mpg for the SH-AWD car. We examined an RDX A-Spec SH-AWD on our 75-mph highway gasoline economic system route, which is part of our massive checking out regimen, and carried out 26 mpg—exactly its EPA rating. For greater records about the RDX's gas economy, go to the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the middle stack is a little busy, with a lot of buttons, a touchpad, and a giant rotary drive-mode selector sitting in the front and center. The model we tested had the A-Spec package's flashy crimson seats and numerous different distinct styling bits. While the cabin's wonderful build high-quality and desirable well-known features (ambient lighting; power-adjustable, heated front seats; dual-zone climate control) were appreciated, the RDX fails to feel luxurious. The Acura promises a sportier experience than something like the Honda CR-V should ever provide. Nothing feels low cost or chintzy, and the user role is excessively sufficient to satisfy SUV fans and flexible enough to appease using enthusiasts. A handle on the outboard seats will release the returned row so you can fold it flat. Or you can lower the seatbacks from the cargo and keep the use of the secondary releases. We managed to fit eight carry-on baggage with the seats up and 22 with them folded. The RDX has a massive passthrough storage tray below its floating center console, too.
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| 2022 Acura RDX: Interior |
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every RDX has a 10.2-inch touchscreen perched excessively on the dashboard. It can also be operated through a touchpad on the middle console. Acura calls the controller intuitive, but it took us a while to get accustomed to it. The RDX comes trendy with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The optionally available Technology bundle provides built-in navigation, rear-seat USB ports, a 12-speaker ELS Studio audio system, and more.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Every model includes a host of well-known driver-assistance technology, however various other assists are reachable with the Technology package. These consist of the front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. For greater data about the RDX's crash-test results, go to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key security facets include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Acura gives a warranty layout on the RDX that aligns with its luxurious competitors. However, it does not include complimentary scheduled maintenance as some do, such as the BMW X3 and the Jaguar F-Pace.
- The limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- The powertrain guarantee covers six years or 70,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled upkeep